Mystery Island

Mystery Island is a tiny, uninhabited coral island at the southernmost tip of the Vanuatu chain. Cruise ships anchor offshore, and passengers tender to a white-sand beach lined with coconut palms and ringed by clear turquoise water. The island was a WWII airstrip, and traces of that era are still visible among the undergrowth. Locals from nearby Aneityum paddle over by outrigger canoe to sell handcrafted carvings, woven baskets, and shell jewellery. There are no shops or buildings on the island itself, so bring cash in vatu or small US dollar bills. Snorkelling off the beach is good, with healthy coral just a few metres from the shore. The water is calm and shallow enough for most swimmers.